Frame construction



April 10, 1962 J. A. GOELLNER FRAME CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 16, 1958 FIG,| r/ I flA I 4 {04-44042 ZyM Ivar/V1575.

April 10, 1962 J. A. GOELLNER FRAME CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 //v MFA/r 2 JOHN 4. 60:41 #67? wjzz/a 24 44 Ivvm'e'rn Filed June 16, 1958 Sates atent The present invention relates generally to edging or framing devices and more particularly to an edging device for glass panes, screens and related structures.

In the past, edging devices or frame were constructed in a manner which required separate means, apart from the edging members themselves, to hold the members together on the object being framed. The use of such separate means involved additional parts, additional expense and diflicult and time consuming construction and installation techniques. Furthermore, objects such as glass panes edged with known devices are relatively more dangerous to handle than the same object when edged by the present device because the fastening means used on the'known edging constructions are more apt to loosen and come apart. These disadvantages of the known edging devices are further aggravated when applied to storm windows, screens and like constructions which are subject not only to wind vibration and deterioration caused by the natural elements, but also to regular periodic handling and mainteannce. These and other disadvantages of the known devices are overcome by the present edging or frame construction.

The present edging construction or frame comprises a plurality of similar edging or framing members of such lengths and number to extend around the edge of an object to be framed, each of said members having a channel shape defined by opposed walls and a connected bridging wall, said opposed walls receiving the object being framed therebetween and having ends which mate with adjacent ends on other members to form corners for said frame, and concealed cooperating interlocking means formed on the ends of said members, said interlocking means on adjacent members cooperating to attach said members together and also engaging the panel and being prevented by said engagement with the panel from coming apart.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive frame construction for framing glass panes and the like which is relatively inexpensive to construct, install and maintain.

'Another object is to provide an edging construction which makes use of the object being framed as an important element in its attachment.

Another object is to provide a frame with hidden fastening means which will not come apart or loosen due to vibration or handling.

Another object is to provide a frame or edging construction with a smooth exposed surface.

Another object is to provide a frame that cannot be removed by ordinary means once it is mounted but which can be reused if the framed object is damaged or broken.

Another object is to provide framing for storm windows and the like which is lightweight, of pleasing appearance, easy to clean and maintain, adaptable for use with known window constructions and convenient and helpful as a means for storing windows during off season.

Still another object is to provide an edging construction which resists wear and deterioration caused by the natural elements.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent after considering the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a panel mounted in an edging device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one corner of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view similar to FIG. 2 but partially cut away to show the inner details of the edging device;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken' along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing fragments of adjacent edging members;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view, partly cut away for clarity, showing fragments of two adjacent edging or frame members in assembled condition;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing fragments of a modified form of the edging members of FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 8 shows an elevational view of a window construction equipped with glass storm panels framed by an edging device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken vertically through a window sash equipped with storm sash constructed according to another modified form of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 9 but showing yet another modified form of the storm sash edging device.

Referring to the drawings by reference numbers, number 20 in FIG. 1 refers to a framed or edged panel constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. The panel 20 consists of a panel such as glass pane 22 framed by four similar connected frame members 24. The members 24, when properly positioned and connected as shown, constitute the frame 26, and are important to the present invention. Since all of the frame members 24 are similar, only one need be described herein.

The frame members 24 are channel shaped in section, and are preferably formed so that each when completed is formed of a single piece of material such as aluminum. Any suitable forming method may be used for cutting and folding sheets of the material, or by extrusion, or by any other suitable process. The sectional contour of the members 24 is shown in FIG. 4 and consists of opposed walls 28 and 3t) and a connecting wall 32. Folded portions 34 and 36 of thewalls 28 and 30 respectively are formed on the inside of the channel and narrow the opening into the channel. The distance between the folded portions 34 and 36 corresponds to the thickness of the object being edged such as the glass pane 22. This is important because the pane 22 serves not only as the object being framed but also as an element in holding the frame 26 in position thereon as will be shown hereinafter. A close fit between the folded portions 34 and 36 and the pane 22 also prevents the pane 22 from rattling in the frame 26.

The ends of the frame members 24 are suitably mitered so that adjacent members 24, when assembled, form proper corners for the object. This is true of square and rectangular panes as shown as well as odd shaped panels having different numbers of sides.

Of particular importance to the present invention are the means by which the adjacent frame members 24 are attached to each other on the pane 22 and are prevented from coming loose therefrom. In the particular embodiment shown to illustrate the invention, each frame member is provided with two hooks 40 which extend endwardly from the-alternate opposite ends of the folded portions 34 and 36. For example, one of the hooks 40 projects from the portion 34 at one end of the member 24 Patented Apr. 10, 1962 3 and the other from the portion 36 at the opposite end of the member 24. The hooks 40 are formed integral with the portions 34 and 36 and have tapered stem portions 40a and angularly extending hook portions 40b formed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The opposite ends of the folded portions 34 and 36 (from the hooks 40) are formed to cooperate with similar hooks 40 on adjacent frame members 24 and are shaped to substantially coincide with the area defined between hook and stem portions 40b and 40a. These formed ends are referred to as catches 42, and each catch 42 is defined on one side by a tapered edge 42a, on another side by tapered edge 42b, and on the remaining side by the edge of the associated folded portion 34 or 36. It is important to note that in the preferred construction both the hooks 40 and the catches 42 are formed integral on the folded portions 34 and 36 and not on the walls 28 and 30. This is done so that the hooks 40 and catches 42 are concealed when the edging or frame 26 is assembled and installed on the pane. It is anticipated however, that both the hooks 4t) and catches 42 could be formed on the walls 28 and 30 as well, or even on both the walls and the folded portions without departing from the spirit of the invention.

To install the frame members 24 on the pane 22, two adjacent frame members 24 of proper lengths are positioned on correspondingly long edges of the pane. The members 24 are then moved toward each other until the adjacent ends thereof meet. In so doing the involved hooks 40 engage the tapered edges 42a of the corresponding catches 42 and are cammed thereby over the corresponding catches 42. When the hooks clear the tapered edges 42a they snap into position behind the catches 42 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 and are prevented from coming apart by the cooperation of the hooks and catches and by engagement with the pane. A similar procedure is followed until all of the edging members 24 are installed.

Since the pane 22 is thick enough to engage the inner surfaces of the books 40 and the catches 42, the members 24 cannot come loose after once being installed unless the pane 22 is damaged or broken so that it may be lifted out of the corner to release the hooks 40 by sidewise movement of the adjacent ends of members 24. Normally, the frame is intended to be permanent, but it may be forced off if the members 24 are pried away from the pane so that the books 40 can clear the catches 42.

In FIG. 7 a modified form 124 of the members 24 is shown. The parts of the modified construction correspond to similar parts on member 24 and are identified by the similar members plus 100. The modified form has hooks 140 formed at alternate opposite ends of folded portions 134 and 136, and the hooks 140 have endwise extending portions 149a and sidewise extending portions 14%. Catches 142 are formed on alternate opposite ends of the folded portions 134 and 136 and each is defined on one side by a tapered or cam edge 142a, on another side by edge 1421) and on the remaining side of the edge of the associated folded portion 134 and 136. In the modified construction 124, as in the preferred construction 24, the hooks 140 and catches 142 are formed integral with the portions 134 and 136 and the catches 142 are shaped to conform to the area defined by the hook portions 14Gb and stem portions 140a. The members 124 are assembled and installed on a panel in the same way as the members 24 and the panel serves as an important element in keeping the members together.

In FIG. 8 is shown a sliding window construction in which two sliding sashes 50 and 52 are provided with storm panes 54 having frames 56 constructed according to the present invention. The frames 56 in the construction are positioned in recesses formed about the main windows and are held in place therein by rotatable locking elements 5-8 that are threadably connected to the sash. Obviously this and other similar applications could be applied to other types of windows and doors; such, for example, as

to a double hung window construction, a fixed window construction, a storm door, and so forth.

In FIG. 9, the upper frame member 60 is modified by adding a lip or flange 62. Obviously the other frame members could be similarly modified, if desired. The lip 62 fits into a groove 64 in sash member 66 and a 1ongitudinal shield member 68 is threadedly connected to the sash in overlapping relation to the lip 62 as shown. The shield 68 extends all the way across the window and prevents water from entering between the lip 62 and the sash groove 64. The lower edge of the storm sash is held in place by rotatable locking elements 69.

In FIG. 10, the upper frame member 70 is shown having a lip or flange 72 formed even with or as a continuation of the inner surface thereof, and a special groove 74 is provided in the sash to receive the lip 72. This modified construction has the advantage that it requires fewer locking elements 76.

Many other applications of the present edging construction are also possible. For example, the present construction is adaptable for use with screens (not shown) with displays using one or more adjacent panes of glass or other material (not shown), as a picture frame, and in many other places where ease of assembly and the other desirable characteristics are in order.

The particular construction of the invention including the modified forms shown and described herein, have been selected for illustrative purposes only, and it is anticipated that many other forms and uses thereof will become obvious after consideration hereof.

Thus it is apparent that there has been shown and described a novel edging or framing device which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor, and which consists of a plurality of similar interlocking edging members which are retained in locked together relation when mounted on an object and which are prevented from coming loose from the object by engagement with each other and with the object itself. Obviously, many changes, alterations and modifications of the present device will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and all such changes, alterations and modifications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A frame construction covering the edges of a panel comprising a plurality of similar members interlockingly engaged in juxtaposition on the edges of a panel, each of said members having a pair of opposed walls spaced to receive an edge of the panel therebetween, said walls having opposed ends with interlocking means, including a hook on one end of one of said walls on each member and a catch on the opposite ends of said one wall, said catches and said books on members positioned on adjacent panel edges having beveled end edges slidably engageable with each other during endward movement of two of said members toward each other on adjacent panel edges to cam said catches and hooks into interlocking cooperative engagement, said hooks and catches also engaging the panel and being prevented by said engagement from becoming disengaged from each other.

2. An edging device for panels or the like comprising a plurality of similarly shaped channel members having opposed walls spaced to receive the panel therebetween, said members being of suitable lengths and number to enclose the edge of the panel, and said members having opposite ends with interlocking means attached to interlocking means on adjacent members, said interlocking means on each of said members including an endwardly facing cam surface on one end of one of said opposed walls and means slidably engageable with a similar cam surface on the adjacent member on the opposite end of said one wall, said interlocking means on adjacent ends of adjacent members slidably engaging each other and being cammed into engagement by said cam surface when 1 A I AAA Ahmsaid members are moved endwardly toward each other on adjacent edges of the panel, said interlocking means also engaging the panel.

3. A strip for edging a panel or like object comprising a plurality of similarly shaped members attached together to form an edge for the panel, each of said members having a channel shape defined by opposed walls and a connecting wall, said opposed walls being spaced to receive the panel therebetween, and means on the ends of said members connecting said members together on adjacent edges of the panel, said means including a hook element on one end of each of said members, a catch element on the opposite end of each of said members cooperativelyengaged with the hook element on an adjacent member, said hook and said catch elements having end edges which slidably engage during endward movement of said members on adjacent panel edges to enable said hook elements to move into engagement with the associated catch elements and hook elements and said catch elements also engaging the panel.

4. A frame covering the edges of a panel comprising a plurality of similarly shaped frame members of such lengths and number that the combination thereof connected together extends around the edge of the panel, each of said frame members having opposed ends and a groove for receiving an edge of the panel extending along one side between said ends, and interlocking means on the ends of said members adjacent to said groove, said interlocking means on one end of each of said members cooperatively engaging the interlocking means on an adjacent end of an adjacent member on the panel to connect said members together, said interlocking means on said adjacent members having end edges which are angularly related relative to the panel edges to slidably cooperate during movement of said members toward each other on adjacent panel edges to cam said interlocking means into engagement, said interlocking means also engaging the panel and being prevented thereby from becoming disengaged from each other.

5. The frame defined in claim 4 wherein said adjacent frame members have mating end edges positioned outwardly of said interlocking means which conceal the interlocking means.

6. A frame for panel shaped objects comprising a plurality of similarly shaped channel members connected together to form an edging around the object, said members having opposed walls spaced apart to receive associated edge portions of the panel therebetween, and interlocking means on the ends of said members for engaging similar interlocking means on the ends of adjament members, said interlocking means including a hook on one end of each of said members and a catch engaged with a hook on an adjacent member on the opposite end of each of said members, said hooks and said catches also engaging the object being prevented by said engagement from becoming disengaged from each other, and cooperating cam surfaces on end edges of said hooks and catches permitting forced sliding engagement of said books into interlocked engagement with said catches during endwise movement of adjacent members toward each other on adjacent edges of the object.

7. The frame defined in claim 6 in which one of said hooks and one of said catches is on both ends of said channel members.

8. Edging means for panels comprising a plurality of channel shaped edging members connected together around a panel, said edging members having opposed walls spaced to snugly receive the panel therebetween, and means formed on the ends of said members attaching members positioned on adjacent panel edges together, said means including a hook element having a beveled end edge on one end of said opposed walls and a catch element having a beveled end edge slidably engageable with the end edge on a hook element on an adjacent member on the opposite ends of the opposed Walls, the end edges on the hook elements cooperatively engaging the end edges on the catch elements on adjacent members during movement of adjacent members toward each other on adjacent edges of the panel enabling the hook elements and catch elements to move endwardly into cooperative engagement, said hook and catch elements also engaging the panel.

9. A frame for covering the edges of panels comprising a plurality of similar channel shaped members defined by spaced walls and a connecting bridge wall, said spaced walls having opposed faces receiving an edge portion of a panel therebetween and being mitered at the ends thereof to engage adjacent similar members and form a closed edge around a corner of the panel, said opposed wall faces having cut out portions at the ends thereof forming slots with the panel, and interlocking means on the ends of said spaced walls for attaching to similar interlocking means on the ends of adjacent members, said interlocking means including a hook formed on alternate opposite ends of said spaced walls, and a catch formed on the other opposite ends of said spaced walls, said hooks and catches engaging similar catches and hooks respectively on adjacent members and extending into the aforesaid slots.

10. In a frame construction for nonremovably embracing the peripheral edges of a panel, a corner assembly including a first member of channel shape section having a hook on one side of the channel adjacent to one end thereof and a catch on the opposite side of the channel such that said hook and catch are adjacent opposite surfaces of the panel, and a second member of channel shape section having a hook and a catch adjacent to opposite sides of the channel and respectively opposite to said catch and hook on said first member, said hooks and catches interlocking said first and second members in non-removable relation on the panel, and said first and second members having cooperating mating corner forming edges outwardly of said hooks and catches concealing the hooks and catches therebehind.

11. In a frame construction for embracing the peripheral edges of a panel, a corner assembly including a pair of members of channel-shaped section, each having a pair of opposed walls with an open side receiving a panel therebetween and a connecting wall opposite the open side, at least one of said pair of walls having a portion adjacent to the connecting wall that extends outwardly to form a slot with the panel, said spaced walls having mitered corner forming end edges outwardly of said open I side, a hook element on one end of one of said opposed walls inwardly of the mitered end edges, a catch element on the adjacent end of the corresponding wall of the other of said pair of members cooperating with said hook element to interlock said members, said hook element extending into the slot defined between the outwardly extending wall portion and the panel.

12. In the frame construction defined in claim 11 said hook and said catch elements having end edges angularly related to both corner forming edges of the panel, said end edges slidably engaging each other during endward movement of the members toward the panel corner to facilitate movement of the hook element into interlocking engagement with the catch element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,049,528 Stroud Aug. 4, 1936 

